Cryptmaster brings an inventive twist to the classic dungeon-crawling genre, relying on the power of words for nearly every interaction. Developed by Akupara Games, the PlayStation 5 release, which follows the earlier PC launch, introduces players to a world where typing or speaking words shapes the gameplay. From combat to puzzle-solving, the mechanics revolve around creativity and language, making for a unique and memorable experience.
At its core, Cryptmaster revolves around a group of resurrected heroes controlled by the titular Cryptmaster, a necromancer. The heroes must journey through a series of increasingly bizarre and challenging environments, from the dark Bonehouses to the aquatic Sunken Sea, with each level filled with quirky characters like flirtatious toads and sarcastic ghouls. The story maintains a light-hearted yet eerie tone, balancing a sense of humor with a darker, more mysterious backdrop, which keeps the narrative engaging throughout.
The standout feature of Cryptmaster is its reliance on words to navigate every aspect of the game. Players can type or speak any word they can think of to interact with the environment, unlocking multiple solutions to problems. In battles, this is especially fun, as you can discover and utilize forgotten spells by typing their names, allowing for a fluid, strategic approach to combat. The sheer variety of possible actions encourages experimentation, making each playthrough feel different. However, this also introduces some potential for frustration when certain word combinations don’t work as expected, or when the game’s system doesn’t recognize more creative or obscure solutions you came up with. In a way, this is how Cryptmaster echoes the classic text adventures that were popular four decades ago.
Cryptmaster keeps players on their toes with evolving gameplay mechanics. From dungeon-crawling and puzzle-solving to card games and even rap battles, there’s no shortage of surprises. These changes keep the game feeling fresh, although the rapid shifts between different mechanics can sometimes be jarring and momentarily detract from the game’s flow. Still, the variety adds an unpredictable charm that will appeal to players looking for something different from traditional dungeon crawlers.
In terms of controls, the PlayStation 5 version handles the unique typing mechanic well, especially when using a controller to input words. While it’s not as smooth or fast as playing with a keyboard on the PC version, the game has been well-adapted to the console, making typing less cumbersome than it could have been. Voice commands are also an option, and although fun, they can sometimes be inconsistent, which can break the immersion during key moments.
Visually, Cryptmaster employs a distinct art style that leans heavily into its weird and whimsical nature. The environments are colorful, strange, and filled with oddball creatures, all of which contribute to the game’s overall quirky tone. The simplistic yet effective graphics complement the narrative, emphasizing the surreal nature of the world without becoming overcomplicated. Audio design also plays a key role in enhancing the experience, with a fitting soundtrack and character voices that add personality to the various NPCs you encounter.
However, Cryptmaster’s word-driven mechanics are innovative but can also feel restrictive at times. The freedom to type any word is an enticing idea, but the game sometimes fails to recognize perfectly valid solutions, leading to moments of trial and error that can detract from the experience. Additionally, while the game’s evolving mechanics keep it fresh, the frequent shifts between gameplay styles might overwhelm players looking for a more cohesive dungeon-crawling experience.
Having said that, Cryptmaster is a clever and unique dungeon crawler that successfully marries creativity with traditional RPG mechanics. Its word-based gameplay sets it apart from other titles, and despite a few hiccups with word recognition and pacing, it offers a refreshing and entertaining journey for players who enjoy solving puzzles with their words and exploring strange, unpredictable worlds. The PlayStation 5 version might not have the precision of its PC counterpart, but it remains an easy recommendation.
Score: 8.0/10
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